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10 Simple Steps To Plan A Weekend Getaway Or Vacation

Weekend vacations are incredibly underrated. First, they are a great way to escape daily hassles, de-stress, relax, and unwind on a weekend. Second, weekend trips have many benefits. Imagine, you can explore a new destination without spending a fortune, travel even with a 9 to 5 job, and see the lesser-known towns in your area. I bet this is really cool! But how do you go about it? How to plan a weekend getaway?

While planning a weekend adventure might seem like an easy task, it actually involves some work. You will still need to think about budget, where to stay, what to pack, food, and, the most important thing, how to keep your luggage light! However, it can’t compare to a long, annual trip. In this post, I’m going to give you some killer tips to help you plan the best weekend trip ever. These are the basics people usually forget while planning a weekend away, but taking them into account when planning your fun 48 hours will make a huge difference in your overall enjoyment of the journey!

Top Travel Tips for Planning a Weekend Getaway

So you’re on a mission to plan a weekend trip but still unsure where to start? Fret not. In fact, you can even do your weekend planning last minute!

1. Think About What Kind of Trip You Want

Start by identifying your travel goals and reasons you want to visit a particular destination. Are you looking to get off the grid so you can forget about your job for two days, or are you looking to visit a location you’ve always wanted?

When planning a weekend getaway, think about what kind of trip you’re hoping for. This will help you narrow down selecting a destination and get the creativity flowing. Once you know what kind of trip you’re looking for, come up with a list of destinations, whether it’s cities, small towns, or countryside getaways.

2. Choose the Right Time To Go

Next, you’ll want to figure out when you will be traveling, because that will determine your packing list, accommodation options, and the booking process, which may involve getting permits in National or State Parks.

Choosing the right time to go depends on what you want to do while you are there. Whether it is boating, sightseeing, hiking, camping, or spending time at the beach. Obviously, you can’t predict weather two weeks ahead but it’s important to get a reliable weekend weather forecast. It’s a no-brainer, they can adversely affect your travel experience.

Flooded country roads make it hard to access remote areas, heavy downpours can spoil your plan of a bike trip. Suffocating heat and humidity can shed away your dream of hiking making it unbearable and risky as well. However, with a little planning ahead, you can actually save yourself from these bad experiences.

Today, social media and apps have a very deep impact on our lives and they help us way beyond. So here is the time to make the most of your smartphone. The best way to plan a mini-vacation is to add cities you wish to travel to your phone’s weather app. The moment you check the weather for the location you are in, you can also check to find how the weather will be in your future destinations as well.

3. Choose a Destination And be Flexible About It

Once you have decided when you are traveling, it’s time to think about where you want to go.

When it comes to picking a destination , keep your mind open.

The beauty of a small trip is that it can lead you to unexpected places. You may find inspiration as you browse Facebook pages and stumble upon your friends’ recent post about a nearby place they ventured to, or you may find a great travel deal.

With that said, perhaps you want to explore the city you live in, and that can be a rewarding experience! This brings a lot of practical advantages too. At the end of your workweek, you won’t have to rush to the airport or worry about forgetting things. You can start a mini-vacation whenever you want it.

However, if you plan on leaving your home town, compare flights, hotels, and car deals to/in nearby destinations to determine the best trip for the weekend you’re looking to a weekend getaway. You can also research what’s going on in those destinations. Check whether there are concerts, shows, and festivals coming up you’d like to attend.

Keep in mind if you have only 2-3 days, it’s best to pick a destination that is no more than a three- to four-hour plane ride away so as not to eat too much into your actual trip.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to hike popular trails, pick your destination accordingly? Making sure you will be able to do what corresponds to your desire will help you pick exactly the right place.

Your travel buddies can also dictate the destination. If it’s a solo trip, of course, you have a place that speaks to you. But if you are looking for things to do with friends on the weekend, options can differ dramatically since they too have their own bucket list. Comparing places on your lists may help you come to a compromise, or maybe you’re lucky and everyone already wants to visit the same place.

Whatever the case, keeping an open mind and being flexible will help you embrace the weekend – and with that attitude, you’re sure to have an amazing time wherever you end up!

4. Budget For a Weekend Getaway

It’s easy to plan a weekend getaway within two days, but your budget will largely determine where you want to go to. With so many things you need to pay out each month, it can be hard to save up even for a weekend trip. In fact, money stress is one of the most significant things that prevent people from traveling. However, with some budgeting and forward planning, you can avoid overspending on your credit card and plan for a small trip.

To make budgeting easier and simpler, set aside money in a vacation budget before you even start planning. You can open a separate vacation savings account and set up auto-payments that deposit to it every week or month. You will end up having a decent amount of money to pay for accommodation or airline tickets. My friend uses this trick so that he always has enough money for a vacation trip in case an opportunity to travel comes up.

If you’re looking for easy ways to save money for travel consider using tools such as Digit and Qapital that let you accumulate money without thinking about it. These apps can help transfer “extra” money into a dedicated account that you can use for vacation purposes. Similar to a savings account, you can withdraw your money when you’re ready to use it. Otherwise, set it and let it grow!

As you actively put money away for a weekend getaway, you will be more likely to put it to good use and plan an incredible trip.

5. Check Your Car For the Trip Or Keep an Eye Out on Flight Deals

There are many ways to save on weekend getaways and even more of companies that can help you do so! To ensure your weekend trip goes smoothly, you should next determine whether you travel by plane or opt for using your own vehicle.

If you choose the latter, have your car undergo technical check-up and maintenance before leaving your city. It is a good idea to make sure your driving license and insurance are valid. Download offline maps and update the map data to prepare for your road trip. Don’t forget to plan out your perfect route and decide when the best time to leave will be.

If you are flying, check your passport (ensure it’s valid) and book your airline tickets. Look at Skyscanner or a similar flight search engine and score some great deals for cheap flights.

Consider signing up for airline newsletters that will deliver travel deals straight to your inbox. If you don’t want to limit yourself only to only newsletters, you can also proactively search for deals from airlines, travel companies, hotels, and more. I’m also loyal to Star Alliance (Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air China), and I keep tabs on their travel deals by skimming the occasional emails they send.

6. Plan Your Stay

No weekend trip is complete without finding proper accommodation. Arguably one of the most important things you need to factor in, finding the best and cheapest room for your weekend trip requires some effort. Moreover, since you only have two or three days, the location should be your top priority.

Here are some tips and advice to help you decide, and choose the right travel accommodation:

Beach Getaway: To maximize your time, find accommodation near the beach to reduce the amount of time traveling from your room to where the beach is.

Romantic Getaway: To create unforgettable memories while on vacation consider staying at a luxurious suite in a 4+ star hotel or villa. if you planning a hike for your next outdoor adventure go glamping or turn your tent into an amazing staycation.

Family Getaway: If you travel in a group or with your family go camping or book an apartment-style hotel/Airbnb so that kids can move around. Apartment-style hotels with kitchen and hostels are great for anyone looking for a sociable atmosphere with friends.

City Break: In this case, I’d recommend staying within walking distance of the main attractions so you won’t have to rely on public transport.

7. Plan & Manage Your Vacation Itinerary

When planning out your weekend trip itinerary, it’s vital to take into account the logistical details so you don’t end up spending all your time running from one side of a city to another. Calculate the average time it takes to get to each activity, landmarks, and how far the different activities are from one another. If you can’t afford to add an extra day to your weekend trip, try to cluster the places that are located near one another during the same time blocks of your day.

Pro Tip: Put together a list of things that interest you in the area and save their locations on Google Maps so you can keep track of where everything is and have a clear travel itinerary.

Things look a bit different when it comes to indulging in activities that require pre-book a selected time-slot (some museums require this, as do more adventurous activities). Beyond that, I just keep the bucket list I created days in advance saved on my phone and bring it up whenever I’ve finished an activity and I’m ready to move further. This prevents me from feeling anxious about not seeing everything and makes for a more relaxed trip overall.

8. Decide What To Book in Advance

When you plan a weekend getaway you’ll want to maximize your travel time and know exactly what are the best places to see and the best free things to do.

As much as I like to just show up, some weekend planning is a good idea before heading towards a popular bucket list destination in high season or there is a risk that the tour might be booked out by the time you get there.

Popular attractions like Alcatraz in San Francisco and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London are booked out well in advance, so you will waste your time showing up without a prior reservation.

Research and organize your tickets to any museums, theatres, and festivals, etc. Another simple way to save money on attractions is to purchase City Passes. Research those in your weekend planning!

Are you planning a getaway so you can:

• Enjoy the views of Paris from Eiffel Tower Summit or Second Floor
• Pay American Museum of Natural History a visit when in New York
• Take a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon
• Do a cooking class in Palermo
• Take the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood

Plan a mini-vacation ahead of time and book the activities you want to do.

Make a List of:

• Free things to do
• Parks and beaches

For ideas on things to do in your destination, use these resources:

• Travel Blogs (like MindTheTravel )
• Pinterest (Pin to your own board while browsing)
• Tourism board websites
• Ask colleagues and friends who have been there
• Facebook (put out an update asking for travel advice)
• Guide books (for example, Lonely Planet Guide Books)
• Get Your Guide (they offer tours, activities, and tickets to many tourist attractions)
• Hotel receptionist/bellboy (once in location)

9. Pack Smart. Pack Light.

Let’s face it, you don’t have to embrace the minimalist mentality to travel light. While you’re never too sure what to pack for a weekend trip, it makes sense to remember that you’ll only be away for a few days. Therefore, packing light is going to make your travel easier, cheaper, and saves you time. When packing, think about what activities you will be doing so you can pack appropriately. The hotel has a private beach? Bring a swimsuit. Looking for a weekend hike? Don’t forget hiking shoes.

You’re only going to be away from home for a couple of days, it’s totally fine if your outfits aren’t perfect every day of your trip. I typically only pack one to two casual outfits, and one to two pairs of shoes for a weekend trip. And I usually do my best to match shoes to my outfits.

If you’re driving, there’s more flexibility to pack since you can toss everything into the back seat of the car. But if you’ll be traveling by bus or train consider fitting everything you need into a backpack. You don’t want to be rolling a suitcase around with you. I recommend bringing a backpack or a duffel bag of 30-35 liters for a weekend getaway. You don’t need a size bigger than that. A daypack size, at 25 liters is also a good idea if you don’t plan to pack a lot of stuff. The goal when planning for a weekend trip is to keep things as hassle-free as possible.

10. Unplug For the Weekend. Take a Digital Detox.

Any weekend is the perfect time to rejuvenate, disconnect from work and reconnect with those you love. It’s a short amount of time when you can take a mental break to quickly re-center yourself and get back on track. You don’t want to waste it scrolling through your phone.

I get it; today we are surrounded by a world of electronic devices, and most people actually spend plenty of their time using them. But a weekend getaway is about breaking routines, doing new things, and switching up how you usually spend your time.

Taking a digital detox has a number of benefits: it can help improve sleep, relieve stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and more. I highly recommend doing what you can to keep your phone and work laptop away. Use them only for managing photos and navigational purposes.

If you can’t afford to completely disconnect while away or you need to check in with work, that’s totally fine. I usually check my email and that sort of thing right after breakfast and before going to bed so it doesn’t disrupt my whole day or take my attention away from what I’m doing.

The Bottom Line

I have been embarking on weekend getaways for years now. With my hectic work schedule, weekends away are always treasured by me. It is my time to get in touch with friends and family and unwind in a natural setting. No wonder I love going to Saxon Switzerland every other weekend, winters included.

Remember these getaways are also a perfect time to reconnect with your significant other. So invite them to join you.

I hope you find this weekend getaway planner guide useful. While traveling is always going to spark unexpected inspiration with a little bit of planning you can get the most out of your next weekend trip.

What are the best weekend getaways you have planned? I’d love to hear your favorite places to go for a quick weekend getaway!

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DeShena@Extravagantlybroke

You make this sound so good! I think it’s a great idea to explore many of the sites that your own town or nearby town has to offer. And I agree that it would be a great way to de-stress and reconnect with the ones you care about the most.

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How to Plan a Weekend Getaway in 5 Easy Steps

I love weekend getaways. I think of them as the low-maintenance sibling of serious travel , you know? Where planning a whole trip can be complicated, I always want my weekend vacations to be easy breezy. Just follow my five easy steps to learn how to plan a weekend getaway.

For beginning travelers and/or anxious travelers, planning a weekend getaway can be a great way to start dipping your toes into the world of travel. A quick trip can be quite affordable and you’re not committing to spending a lot of time in one place that you may or may not like.

Grab your copy of the free printable travel planner to help you plan your ideal weekend getaway.

Key takeaways

• Weekend getaways offer an affordable and low-commitment introduction to travel.
• Choosing a destination within driving distance maximizes time at the destination and simplifies travel logistics.
• Choose accommodations that align with your personal preferences and budget.
• Create a flexible itinerary that includes a mix of relaxation and sightseeing.
• Pack with care, so that you don’t forget anything you need or overpack with many items you don’t need.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclaimer.  

#1. Choose your weekend getaway destination

To get started planning your getaway, you need to decide where you want to go .

To keep things simple, I usually avoid flying for trips shorter than 3 full days …so this means my top choices for weekend getaway destinations are within a reasonable driving distance from my home.

Limiting the distance you’re willing to travel for a weekend trip is a personal decision, but it does keep things simple. It also has the benefit of allowing you to maximize the amount of time you get to spend at your destination rather than traveling and at the airport.

When choosing a weekend getaway destination, cost is often going to be a major factor. You can choose your destination and then set your travel budget or choose your destination based on a travel budget you’ve already set.

Either option is a viable choice.

if you’re going for a cheap weekend getaway trip, consider less popular places or hidden gem towns.

For more help with building your travel budget, check out this post on creating a travel budget that works for you . This article includes basic guidance for how much of your budget to allot for certain expenses such as transportation, accommodations, food, activities, etc.

It was written from the perspective of planning a longer trip, but can easily be adapted for short trips and weekends away.

Getting back to choosing a destination…we tend to keep a running mental list of weekend trip destination ideas and choose based on whether we want to revisit a favorite place or try something new, whether we want to see a lot of sites or just chill at the beach…those kinds of things.

For help with choosing your weekend getaway destination, you can:

• Brainstorm a list of destinations you’ve always wanted to visit.
• Invite your travel companion(s) to give their input.
• Check out Pinterest for inspiration.
• Ask friends and family about their favorite weekend getaway spots.
• Do Google searches for ideas like “ romantic getaways in the South ” or “best winter weekend getaways in the U.S.”

Once you’ve chosen your destination, you’re ready to get on with planning your weekend away.

#2. Decide on how you want to get there

For a weekend getaway, driving to your destination keeps things simpler. Bottom line. Everyone travels differently, so if you’re willing to fly for a weekend trip, then go for it. But it’s not my recommendation. I’m all for doing a weekend road trip.

I live in the southeastern United States where there are a LOT of things to see and do within a reasonable driving time of home. For more help with your road trip, check out:

• Things to do on a long road trip to pass the time
• Great road trip questions for fun conversation
• Entertaining road trip trivia & questions

If you do want to fly to your destination, here are a few tools to help you research flights and even save some bucks.

TIP: Keep track of all of your important travel details with a digital travel planner like this .

Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, Going is a flight deals subscription service that sends travel deals straight to your email inbox. And Premium members get weekend getaway deals in addition to amazing deals on international and domestic flights.

In my opinion, a Going Premium subscription is well worth the money and is the best way to get the best deals on flights especially if you have flexible travel dates and want to see new places. You can even try it for free for two weeks to decide if you think it’s worth the money.

For more about this service, see my full review of Going .

Google Flights

My go-to site when I start my trip planning is Google Flights . Use the “Explore Destinations” tool to browse for great deals from your chosen departure airport. You’ll get the best results if your travel dates are flexible…though this can be said of any cheap flight tool. 

See my post on using Google Flights for more information.

Secret Flying

Another great resource for finding amazing deals on flights (including error fares) is Secret Flying . While I have found that I don’t see quite as many great deals as with Going , Secret Flying is totally free.

You sign up for alerts on their website , but they don’t offer alerts from any airport you want in the U.S. But they do offer alerts from airports outside the United States, unlike Going.

Another tool in my trip-planning arsenal is the Hopper app . Hopper predicts prices to help you decide whether you should book now or wait for a better deal to come along.

I like to use Hopper when my travel dates aren’t as flexible, but I have time to wait for prices to improve before I book.

For more details, see my full post on how to save money on flights .

#3. Decide where to stay

Now that you know where you’re going and how to get there, you can figure out where you’re going to stay once you’re there.

Weekend getaways (especially a city break or romantic getaway) are the perfect opportunity to try out a high-end hotel, inn, or resort you’ve been wanting to stay at. Sometimes your perfect weekend getaway might be just about enjoying your resort’s amenities or hotel suite.

Read more: Hotel staycation ideas

We tend to avoid vacation rentals (such as through Vrbo or Airbnb) for short trips because the added fees can increase the per-night cost so much that you don’t really save any money. This is my personal preference, but if we’re not going to save money by going with a rental then we would just as soon stay in a hotel.

For cheap weekend trips, we go for affordable chain hotels that offer free breakfast like Fairfield Inn & Suites or Residence Inn.

There are websites (like booking.com ) that allow you to look for a wide variety of accommodation options at the same time: hotels, inns, B&Bs, condo rentals, homestays, etc.); however, a downside with using a site such as booking.com is that choices can be overwhelming, making it difficult to make a decision.

To help you decide how to book, you can check out my post about whether to use booking.com or book directly with the hotel . It will walk you through all the pros and cons of each with side-by-side comparisons. 

My recommendation for new or anxious travelers who are having difficulty choosing a place to stay is to:

• Use a map to choose an area or two in your destination where you would like to stay
• Set your budget
• Find 3 or 4 accommodation options in a location you like and that are within your budget then stop searching there
• Compare the amenities of those options and book

#4. Create your itinerary

Now that you’ve settled on where you’re staying at your destination, you need to make some decisions about what you want to do during your weekend away. We tend to choose one or two “must-do” things for a weekend getaway and keep the rest of the weekend as flexible as possible.

Here are a few prompts to help you as you create your itinerary:

• Do you want a “relax and unplug” weekend getaway or are you looking for some adventure? A nice mix of both sightseeing and relaxation ?
• Is your destination known for any kind of attraction or activity in particular?
• Do you need to book any attractions or tours in advance?

Depending on where you’re going there may be way too many options to choose from than you can do in a weekend. If that’s the case you’ll want to spend a little time figuring out what your “must-do’s” are.

Make sure to give yourself a little breathing room in your itinerary to get from one site or activity to the next, to allow for things going wrong, for rescheduling due to bad weather, etc.

For more about itineraries, see my complete guide to creating a travel itinerary . It was written with longer vacations in mind, but the basic ideas can be applied to a trip of any length.

Think you’re too busy to travel? See Maximizing Weekend Getaways: Tips for Busy Travelers

#5. Pack for your getaway

With your itinerary built, it’s time to figure out what you want to take with you on your trip. Your packing list will be a reflection of your destination, the season/weather, and your planned activities among other things.

See my ultimate weekend getaway packing list for help with your packing list. It’s customizable for any kind of weekend getaway…any season, any activity, even long weekends.

For a short weekend getaway (perhaps from a Saturday morning to a Sunday night) check out my essential overnight trip packing list . This list is perfect for very quick trips when you want to make sure that you’re not overpacking , which is so easy to do for short getaways.

For additional help with your packing, you might want to check out:

• Travel essentials for women
• How to pack your day trip bag  

Final thoughts on planning a weekend getaway 

There’s nothing like a weekend getaway to help you relax and unwind or to get a taste of a new travel destination you might want to return to later for a longer visit.

No matter where you go, planning your next weekend getaway should be fun and easy. The easy steps above should be all that you need to plan the perfect weekend away. Enjoy!

What is your perfect weekend getaway?

More articles to help you plan a weekend getaway  

• The travel planning resources you need
• Perfect weekend packing list for any kind of weekend trip (even a long weekend)
• Romantic getaways in the South
• Romantic weekend ideas for couples
• The best travel guides (books and online)
• The perfect romantic weekend at Biltmore

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Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

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How to Plan an Amazing Weekend Trip (38 Tips)

Planning a trip can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about that it sometimes can even make someone want to give up and just stay home. But we’re here to tell you not to worry!

We’ve compiled 38 tips on how to plan the best weekend trip ever, all from the point of view of someone who has never been there before.

So take a deep breath and read on; we promise it’ll be worth your while!

We packed a lot of information into one article, so feel free to scan the table of contents for the tips you need!

Table of Contents

Weigh the pros and cons: road trip or air travel?

For a weekend getaway in the USA, you pretty much have two options:

The most economical option is to go on a road trip. It also takes a little less planning and you’re less likely to encounter delays.

Road trips are great if you want to go on a weekend trip at the last minute and you don’t have a lot of time to plan. It’s easier to get a place to stay than it is to get airplane tickets quickly.

But if you have the funds, you could shorten a four or five-hour drive drastically with a flight. It does take more work, though.

But does it take more time? Well, that’s debatable.

Think about all the different things you need to do to get ready for a flight.

• Clean your luggage
• Pack a carry-on
• Pack your checked baggage
• Get plane tickets
• Get a ride to the airport or pay to park your car there for the weekend
• Arrive at least two hours early at the airport

You can skip all these responsibilities by going on a road trip. Also, even though the travel time will be faster by plane, it may take you more time to prepare for a flight. Not only that, but if you’re only going away for a weekend, that might not justify spending the extra money for plane tickets.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you. If you have the funds and you’re organized, air travel may be the way to go. But to save some money and possibly stress, a road trip is just as fun!

There’s something authentic and adventurous about road trips with the family! Not to mention it’s great to get out in nature!

Think about what type of vacation fits your personality the best.

• Friend or family’s place

How do you like to enjoy your vacation time? Do you prefer pulling a trailer? Or maybe you like to be a little more old-fashioned and pull out the tents. Are you looking to explore some city life and stay at a hotel for a few days?

Related: Questions to Ask a Friend After a Vacation

You have so many different options. Whatever you choose will really set the tone for your weekend getaway.

RVing would likely be the most work, but if you have been preparing for a few weeks, it’s totally possible. My family and I have been going on RV trips for years, and it usually takes us about a week to get everything ready. I wouldn’t recommend RVing for a weekend trip, but if you have a small trailer it can be a nice time.

If you love nature, you might really enjoy camping. It can be a nice change of pace from work life.

If you’re staying at a hotel, most of the work will be looking for one that is not too crowded and has good reviews. Research a few different ones in the area and compare their rates before you make a commitment.

Your last option is to join a friend at their cabin, beach house, or home. If you’re staying at a friend’s, just make sure you bring what you need. If they don’t have a guest room or extra couch, remember to grab your sleeping bag or air mattress!

Pick a close destination.

If you’re going on a weekend trip, it’s best to cut down on the travel time. Limit it to about four hours each way so you don’t take up a whole day.

If you’re looking for advice on how to find the perfect travel destination, check out this article . It’s packed with quick and easy ways you can do research at home, on your computer.

Seek out a long weekend.

To get the most out of your weekend getaway, plan it around a couple of holidays. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish with just one or two extra days!

Check with your employer to see when you have days off and plan around those. Common holidays off include Memorial Day, MLK Day, the 4th of July, Christmas, and New Years’. Easter weekend is also a great time to arrange a quick trip!

Pack light.

When you’re just going away for a few days, you don’t want too much stuff. Packing light will make your life easier and the weekend trip more enjoyable.

Try to pack only the essentials. On a weekend trip, you’ll be out and about most of the time. So most of your belongings will stay at home anyway.

Decide if you want to go solo or with friends.

This may not seem too important, but vacationing with the right people is key! Before you decide to go with a group, consider a few things:

Do your schedules align?

Depending on who you want to vacation with, this can be difficult to arrange. Make sure you both have the weekend free in advance, so you don’t run into any issues scheduling the trip. No one likes to cancel plans!

Do your personalities align?

This is perhaps the most important question to answer. Let’s say you’re an extrovert and you love to get out in the city, go shopping, and meet new people. If you bring someone on the trip who doesn’t like a fast pace or doesn’t enjoy meeting people, you won’t have an enjoyable trip.

That’s not to say that introverts can’t vacation with extroverts and vice versa. But you’ll want to try and please everyone, which leads me to my next point.

What kind of trip does everyone want to go on?

Are you and your friends avid campers who love to go out in nature? Or perhaps you love to venture to a new city and check out all the fun attractions. No matter your preferences, make sure you all agree on what type of trip you’ll enjoy.

Maybe someone had a bad experience camping and they don’t find it very fun. Maybe one of your friends is on a tight budget and can’t afford plane tickets.

Try to accommodate everyone before you venture out on the weekend getaway. A trip should be fun for everyone, a nice break from daily life!

What would everyone like to do?

Beyond the type of trip (road trip, camping, air travel, etc.) everyone should get a chance to do what they’re excited about. Get all your friends together and go over an itinerary. We’ll talk a little more about that later.

How are you budgeting the trip?

When you’re on a trip with friends, you want to split the costs evenly. This mainly includes gas money and food, but pretty much everything else that you share.

If you’re sharing a hotel room, split the cost.

Have each friend buy their own airplane tickets.

Anything personal they want, they should buy with their own money.

Do you want to bring the kids?

If you have kids, this question will certainly cross your mind. Yes, it can be a lot of work to bring kids. But also they make trips enjoyable and worth it!

Whether it’s a weekend trip down to Disneyland or a couple of days at a waterpark, your kids may love tagging along!

Bring as few electronics as you can.

I’ll keep bringing this up, but remember: this is a weekend trip. You’re away for two to four days and then it’s back to work. So why not take this opportunity to do a digital detox? Take some time off from social media, YouTube, and other apps and enjoy exploring a new place.

I realize that at a minimum, you’ll need a phone. And probably a digital camera if you’d like to document your trip with some beautiful photos.

But leave the rest at home if possible. A weekend vacation should be exactly that: a vacation!

I’m guilty of working while on vacation, so I know it can be hard to embrace taking an actual break. But you won’t regret it!

Make an itinerary before you go.

Before you leave for your trip, do some research and make a schedule. This reduces downtime when you get to your destination. You want to save as much time as possible and pack the day with nonstop fun!

If you’re bringing friends, meet with them to discuss an itinerary. Ask them about their interests and incorporate them into your schedule.

Keep in mind that this is just a weekend trip, so you won’t have time to do everything!

But whether you’re solo or going with friends, accept that you don’t have to get to everything on your itinerary. The great thing about weekend trips is they’re relatively easy to plan, and you can take a lot of them! So anything you missed you might be able to incorporate into your next trip.

If making an itinerary just bores you to death, don’t worry about it. Your “plan” could be as simple as:

Day 1 – hit the beach

Day 2 – explore the city

And that’s it! But it can be nice to know about some of the fun things to do around your vacation spot.

For more tips on how to get the most out of your weekend trip, check out the video below.

Don’t forget to account for travel time.

On a weeklong or two-week+ vacation, travel time isn’t too much of a concern. But on a weekend, it can ruin your whole trip. Remember that you have to drive to and from your destination. So, five hours one way and five hours back is one full day of fun, sitting in your car! That’s not ideal. It might be if you love road trips. But just be cognizant of how much time spent traveling before you pull the trigger on your destination.

If you’re going on a trip with friends, take one car if possible. Once you reach your destination, you’ll want to do stuff together. Also, you can save a lot of money on gas by not taking so many vehicles.

Always plan to do more; then you’ll never get bored!

Pack your day with as much fun as possible. Then when you get to your destination you have so many options to choose from. On a weekend getaway, you want to do everything to reduce downtime: time sitting at home, playing electronics, or even doing things that you could do at home.

For example, a movie can be fun, but couldn’t you watch a movie at the theater near your house? Stuff your schedule with unique activities that you may have never done before, places you’ve never visited, restaurants you’ve never been to…you get the idea!

If you can’t do everything that you want, don’t stress! If you liked the trip enough, you can always visit again!

Have a backup plan.

Having a backup plan can save your weekend trip. Think about all the different ways your trip can go wrong.

Maybe you wanted to go to the beach but it started to rain. Perhaps one of the tours, concerts, or events you wanted to do got canceled. Or you might have no luck finding a hotel room.

Day to day, everything may not always go as planned either. So it’s good to stuff your to-do list with a bunch of fun activities!

Keep reading our tips to make sure you’re well prepared for your weekend trip!

Look at all your options for places to stay.

If you need to book a hotel or campground, be sure to do some research online before you commit. You should enjoy your time on vacation , and a poor resort, hotel, or campground can ruin your experience.

But don’t worry! This research is easy. Just google all the different places to stay in your area and check out the reviews!

Also, it doesn’t hurt to ask around. See where your friends and family have enjoyed their stay!

Book a hotel or campground in advance.

You might think: it’s just a weekend trip. I don’t have to worry about booking my hotel or campground in advance. But so many people are traveling today. It’s a great idea to plan ahead and get everything scheduled to save you some potential stress.

Another reason to book in advance is you’ll have more time to find the best place to stay.

There’s a lot to consider. If you don’t have a lot to spend, you’ll definitely need to look closely at your budget . Also, it’s really convenient to find a place close to the city, trails, parks, or other attractions.

If you’re going to a busy place, maybe choose a slow time of the year or book your trip in a less popular area.

Finally, make sure that your friends and family book their rooms if needed.

Bring a phone or camera to document your fun!

It’s easy for me to get distracted by my daily work routine. Just the other day, I realized it’s been a couple of years and I haven’t gone on a trip!

If you’re this way too, definitely bring a phone or DSLR camera so you can document your experience! You can shoot photos in the city, wilderness mountains…anywhere! Don’t be shy; you’ll want these memories to last a lifetime!

We reviewed some professional DSLR cameras under $600 right here ; check them out!

Bring extra batteries and chargers.

Always remember extra batteries and chargers for all of your gadgets. The last thing you want is for your camera to die right before you capture a beautiful shot!

Dress to impress!

Ok, if you’re going on a two-day backpacking trip or hiking through the mountains, this won’t be your #1 priority.

But if you enjoy city life, why not bring a few new outfits to show them off?

Also, wherever you’re headed, check out the shops! You might find some fun new outfits to try out!

Set a budget and stick to it.

You’d be surprised how easy it is to blow through $1,000 or more, even on a weekend getaway. Between eating out, buying souvenirs, and paying travel expenses, there are many different costs to consider.

Make some rough estimates for expenses before you head out and be disciplined!

You might be wondering: what’s most important to prioritize with my budget? Check out the next tip!

Decide how often you want to eat out. It’s one of the biggest expenses when on a trip.

To keep a close eye on your food budget, you can do a couple of things.

1) Set a hard limit: $50 a day or $100 a day, for example (depending on how many people you’re with)

2) Choose how many times to eat out, typically once, twice, or three times (if you’re really splurging).

Pack the right clothes!

Whether you’re headed to the beach, going on a rafting trip, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a city, make sure you dress appropriately. Take a few outfits of the right clothing and don’t forget flip flops if necessary!

Check the weather before you leave.

Weather is reliable 10 days out, so you can check it pretty far in advance if you want. The day before, you’ll get the most accurate results. So just double check the weather before you leave.

In rare cases, it may force you to reschedule the trip. But most of the time, you can just bundle up in cold weather. Or, pack a few more tank tops and t-shirts to stay cool in the summer.

Check your destination for any upcoming festivals or events.

If there’s a local event going on, you might want to check it out! Or sometimes these events are so large, you may want to avoid them.

Major cities sometimes block off streets for large festivals, making it hard to get around. You’ll want to avoid this downtime if you’re just going away for a weekend.

Arrange daycare, pet care, or babysitting if needed. Or, bring the kids!

We touched on bringing kids in an earlier tip. If you decide that your trip isn’t for them (maybe you want some alone time or to have a few drinks), then arrange for a babysitter. Ask family and friends who aren’t traveling if they’d be able to take care of your kids for a few days. The same goes for pets.

You can take kids to a daycare or pets to pet boarding, but this can put a hole in your wallet. So always reach out to friends first.

Keep all your work at home.

Any trip, no matter how small, should be relaxing or enjoyable. That means, no work! Of course you can have a contact for emergencies. But if you truly want a break, don’t bring anything work-related.

7 Quick Tips for Flying

Bring something to do while flying..

This might be the one exception to our earlier rule about limiting the electronics you bring. If you need something to do on the flight, electronics are great to pass the time. You can also bring some books or your Kindle, but not if you struggle with air sickness.

Once you get to your destination, pack away those electronics until your flight back!

Remember your passport and other important travel documents.

You’ll need your passport, Real ID driver’s license, and plane tickets to fly. Your driver’s license or passport can be a standard form of identification. You don’t need a passport for domestic flights, but they are required for international travel. For your weekend trip, just make sure you’ve got your ID and tickets.

For easy access, keep your wallet with your ID on you. Also, have the tickets in your carry on so you can take them out at a moment’s notice. If you brought your passport, keep that in your carry-on as well.

Look for the cheapest seats to save money.

If you’ve flown before, you know that tickets can get expensive. And if you’re just trying to enjoy a long weekend away from home, you may want to save some money.

The plane ride will likely be an hour or two max, so just bite the bullet and use the money you save on something nice!

If you’d like, you can always ask the flight attendant if an upgrade is available. You can’t guarantee anything, but it doesn’t hurt to check.

Get to the airport 2 hours early.

When you’re flying out of town, you should arrive about two hours early for domestic flights and about three hours early for international flights. Here are a few things you have to account for when arriving at the airport:

Parking and shuttle transportation

This is the first thing you’ll need to worry about. Depending on the size of the airport, it can take 30 minutes or more to find a parking spot, haul your luggage to a shuttle stop, wait for the shuttle, and drive to the airport.

Airline check-in

Once you arrive, go inside and orient yourself. Find the airline check in area. This will usually include choosing your seat, dropping off your luggage, and getting a boarding pass.

An agent will ask you to weigh your luggage before drop off, so make sure you’re within the requirements before you arrive at the airport.

Keep your boarding pass on you when you board the aircraft. It’s your ticket to fly!

TSA security screening

This area of the airport can have some pretty long lines. Don’t be surprised if it takes 45 minutes or more to get through TSA screening.

Research what you can carry on a plane to make the trip through airport security easy.

Before you go through security, it’s a good idea to make sure you don’t have any prohibited items on you.

Take a look at some prohibited items to carry on a plane in our guide here .

If you have doubts, just google “can I bring (item) on a plane?” You’ll find several of our articles that give you all the information you need before boarding.

Take a look at a few of them below.

Can I bring a Bluetooth speaker on a plane? Can I bring a massage gun on a plane? Can I bring a nintendo switch on a plane?

Bring some air sickness pills (if needed).

Dramamine, Marezine, or other air sickness pills will help make you feel better in flight. It’s really important to bring these pills if you know your body doesn’t react well to flying. It can put a damper on your trip to start it off feeling sick and end it feeling sick.

When researching air sickness pills, do not confuse air sickness with altitude sickness. Air sickness pills fall into the category of motion sickness. They typically help you if you get sick in a car, bus, or on a boat or plane.

But altitude sickness pills offer comfort to people who have limited oxygen due to being at high altitudes. These are often taken before climbing or hiking a high mountain.

Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

If you’re just taking one weekend getaway, noise-canceling headphones might not be a worthwhile investment. But, even then, you can find a quality pair under $100. At that price, why not enjoy more relaxing flights for years to come?

We’ve got a couple of great resources on our blog about flying with headphones and finding the best ones for travel . Take a look at our article ‘ Can you take headphones on a plane ‘ to learn more about the carry-on and checked baggage rules for headphones.

Or, check out our top 10 list of the best noise-canceling headphones for air travel .

6 Quick Tips for Your Road Trip

Fill the car with gas before you leave..

If you fill the car with gas, you’ve got one less thing to worry about. Imagine spending a couple of days to get everything ready to go. Then you hop in your car and the fuel light turns on. Bummer!

So, the day before you leave, take a quick trip to the gas station.

Pack food to save drive time.

It’s just a weekend getaway, and you don’t want to break the bank. Eat breakfast before you go and pack a sandwich for lunch. This way you can save your precious weekend time.

Clean out your car before leaving.

Expect your car to be about twice as dirty by the end of your trip. It’s a lot more comfortable and pleasant to vacuum the interior and wipe the seats before you embark on your weekend adventure.

If you have kids, this is even more important! They are mess magnets, so be prepared for anything. Maybe bring a spray bottle and some paper towels in case any food or drinks get spilled.

Pack your car smart.

Since you’ll likely be driving for a few hours, it’s important to get comfortable. A huge part of being comfortable is packing your car smart. Pack the trunk first. Stack your luggage if possible or place the suitcases right next to each other to save space.

Avoid cramming the back seats if you are bringing friends. Legroom is important, especially if you’re tall. At 6’4″, I’m always asking my friends and family to move the seat up so I can stretch a little!

One final thing: don’t place anything in the front that may distract the driver’s vision or make them feel cramped. At the end of the day, a safe trip is the most important.

Plan out your route to avoid delays or crashes.

Google Maps is amazing for navigation. You might be thinking: I know exactly where I’m going. So, no navigation needed!

Well, the truth is, even if you know where you’re going, use Google Maps. It has data on real-time construction, accidents, road closures, and other delays. Most of them aren’t significant. But every now and then, Google will reroute you entirely. This can shave several minutes or even hours of your time!

Pack a car charger.

For a reliable ride, be sure to pack a car charger. Navigation can use a lot of juice and you don’t want your phone to die en route to your destination. A car charger can also be useful once you arrive. You’ll pretty much have unlimited access to your phone camera.

And our final tip: Just go!

Planning a trip can seem daunting. In fact, the biggest thing holding you back might be yourself. But, you don’t need to stress. We went over all these tips to make your trip easier. Yes, there are a lot of different things to consider, but it’s not hard to prepare. Good luck and most importantly, have fun!

If you made it through this whole article, thank you. That was a lot of tips! I hope they helped you plan a weekend getaway for the ages. If you’re still looking for helpful travel advice, take a look at the articles below.

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Home » Weekend Getaways » How to Plan a Weekend Getaway

How to Plan a Weekend Getaway

By Author Lance Longwell

Posted on Last updated: June 21, 2023

While long vacations are great, there’s so much beauty in a quick, weekend getaway. What sounds better than using your favorite two days of the week to explore somewhere new?

Weekend vacations have many benefits. For starters, they are an easy way to escape the hassles of real life and unwind for a few days. Between working full time, maintaining a home, raising kids – and maybe all three for many people – life is hectic, and it’s important to take a break!

We are huge proponent of quick weekend getaways and try to take as many as possible throughout the year.  A weekend away is key for us to recharge our mental batteries.  These trips are also an essential part of our plan to travel as much as possible.

According to a recent survey, a low-stress weekend getaway can also help improve people’s moods. In fact, almost all survey respondents said that to take a getaway leaves them recharged, relaxed and grateful. And 82 percent of respondents said that a getaway specifically helps them escape winter’s cold weather blues.

In addition, a short weekend getaway is more affordable than a long, annual trip. Because you only need to plan for two days of accommodations, a few meals, and entertainment, you can save when compared to the costs of a big vacation. Of course, you may also choose to relax as much as possible, which we highly recommend. And even better: that’s free!

Plan the Best Weekend Away

Make your weekend plan, be flexible about the destination, budget for your getaway trips, keep things simple, focus on your hobbies, watch for weekend getaway deals, make weekends away routine, build short weekend trips on to business trips, take a phone detox, plan a weekend getaway today.

While a weekend away doesn’t require a lot of planning, you’ll want to think through what you are hoping to get out of your short vacation trip so that you can maximize your time. Below are a few things to consider as you plan your fun 48 hours!

If you’re unsure where to start, we are here to give you a rundown of the basics. The good news is, you can even do your weekend planning last minute!

First, you’ll want to identify your budget. Are you in a comfortable place financially to be able to afford travel, hotel, and entertainment or sight-seeing costs? Or do you need to consider a two-day staycation so you can save on the price of accommodations? Either option can be lovely, but you will need to be sure you aren’t breaking the bank.

Once you decide on your budget, then determine a few top locations to which you’d like to travel. You may have a bucket list of destinations in your head, but with just two days, be sure that you have enough travel time to get to and from your destination. We’d recommend no more than a two- to three-hour plane ride away so as not to eat too much into your time. Save your limited vacation time for a longer trip.

If you are flying somewhere, you’ll then need to book your airline ticket; look at Kayak or a similar flight aggregate site to research the best prices. If you decide to drive, plot out your route and decide when the best time to leave will be. Then think about whether you would like to stay at a hotel or at an Airbnb or vacation rental and book your accommodations once you find the perfect place.

Now that you have the foundation set, the real fun starts. How do you want to spend your time on your trip? Maybe you want to visit a spa, go wine tasting, shop, or just relax. Whatever it is: do some light planning so your time is well spent.

When you are thinking about where you want to go, keep your mind open. The beauty of a short getaway is that it can lead you to unexpected places. You may find inspiration as you scroll through Instagram and see your friend’s recent trip, you may overhear a colleague discussing a nearby spot they ventured to, or you may find an amazing travel deal.  

With that said, perhaps you want to take a staycation, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that! At the end of your work week, you won’t have to rush to the airport or worry about fighting traffic on a long road trip. You can start your staycation on your own terms whenever you want it – even right at 5:01 p.m.

However, if leaving town is a must, do a quick scan of flight prices to nearby destinations to determine the best trip for the weekend you’re looking to get away. You can also research what’s going on in those destinations – for instance, is there a concert or festival coming up you’d like to attend?

Or are you more outdoorsy and want to find the best time to hike popular trails? Making sure you will be able to do what you truly want to do on your vacation will help you pick exactly the right place.

Who you are traveling with can also dictate the destination. If it’s a solo trip, of course you have the say, but if you are planning a weekend getaway with a significant other or friends, they likely have a list of cities or towns they want to visit. Ranking your top two trips and comparing may help you come to a compromise, or maybe you’re lucky and everyone already wants to go to the same place.

Whatever the case, keeping an open mind and being flexible will help you embrace the spirit of vacation – and with that attitude, you’re sure to have a great time wherever you end up!

If you still need weekend getaway ideas: check out The New York Times’ “36 Hours” column . From U.S. destinations to Europe and beyond, the reporters detail all that you can do in a variety of different locales – and we bet several will catch your eye!  If you need more weekend trip ideas, we also have a whole Weekend Getaways section for you to check out.

It’s easy to plan a weekend getaway, but it can be hard to save up for one amid mortgage or rent payments and all of life’s other bills. In fact, research shows that money stress is a significant travel inhibitor; according to a recent study , many families avoided taking any sort of summer vacation because of day-to-day bills and paying down debt. With some budgeting and forethought, though, you can avoid racking up credit card debt and plan for a fun trip.

To make your travel experience easier on your bottom line, set aside money in a vacation budget before you ever leave town. You can automatically funnel money into a vacations savings account on a bi-weekly basis – even if it’s just $20 – and before you know it, you’ll have a decent amount of money that will help you pay for a hotel or contribute to a flight. My sister-in-law uses this trick so that she always has a dedicated amount of money for vacations in case an opportunity to travel comes up.

We also like tools such as Digit and Qapital that let you save money without thinking about it. These apps can help pool “extra” money into a separate account that you can use for vacation purposes. Similar to a savings account, you can withdraw your money from these accounts when you’re ready to use it; otherwise, set it and forget about it!

As you actively put money away for a weekend getaway, you will be more likely to put it to good use and plan an amazing trip.

The idea of planning a vacation can feel like a lot, especially when you are stressed out at work or at home. Remember that your weekend getaway doesn’t have to be extravagant, especially if you are looking for some rest, relaxation, and a chance to unwind. With two days, keeping things simple is best.

A good way to keep things simple as you plan your weekend getaway is to first determine what you want to do most on your vacation, and then do some light research. For example, if you are traveling to Napa and want to visit wineries, research top vineyards and take note of their hours. Or if you are looking to visit Chicago’s best museums, see which exhibits are open and decide when you will go. The research phase does not have to take a ton of time.

Pinterest can also be a great resource to look at for travel tips, popular places, top restaurants, and more – all in one place. We always look at the site to see what others have to say about weekend getaway destinations that we are looking to visit. Spending just half an hour on Pinterest and doing some searching can help you come up with a list of easy things to do.

Some of the best weekend getaways that we have taken have been trips without a packed agenda. We pick a destination and go. Since we’re in Philadelphia on the East Coast, we can easily get to New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C. for a quick trip.

There is so much to do in those cities already that we try to keep things by looking at a few good restaurants and a few main sites we want to see, and then we put on our sneakers and walk around to see what opportunities await us.

Weekend getaways can provide the perfect amount of time for you to indulge in your passions. Do you like landscape photography? Think about a trip focused on a beautiful nature hike.

Are sports more your style? Look at your favorite team’s schedule and see if you can attend a nearby game.

One of our friends loves visiting breweries, so she often takes trips to locations where she can go to a handful of breweries in just over two days.

The sky really is the limit here. And a weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend indulging in what makes you happy. As we’ve said, decide what you want your weekend to revolve around and then put your plans into action.

There are thousands of ways to save on weekend getaways, and thousands of companies who want to help you do so! You can sign up for email newsletters that will deliver travel deals straight to your inbox.

A few you may want to check out include Scott’s Cheap Flights which gives you deals from airports of your choice. We’ve used it for a cheap weekend getaway to Europe  before.

In addition to e-newsletters, you can also proactively search for deals from airlines, travel companies, hotels, and more. We are also loyal to OneWorld airlines (American, British Airways, Qatar), and we keep tabs on their travel deals by skimming occasional emails they send.

Meanwhile, Laura’s sister has a goal of visiting all 50 states, so she looks at Scott’s Cheap Flights from time to time. She also monitors Southwest Airlines’ frequent flight deals since they have many flights out of her city. She’s gone to several different destinations, including Boise, New Orleans , and Kansas City just by tracking flight deals.

Keeping tabs on top deals may help you uncover a vacation you never dreamed of taking until now.

A weekend getaway doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. If you don’t have a lot of (or any) paid vacation, they are a great way to still get the feeling of getting out of town. And even if you have plenty of paid time off, who doesn’t love a quick escape?

We know several people who love to ski. During the winter, they are able to get away to the mountains several times for a fun weekend ski trips. Perhaps you really enjoy watersports or another outdoor activity. Could you make traveling to the lake a routine during the summer?

We also know several people who live in cities that are practically made for weekend getaways: San Diego (where you can escape north to Los Angeles or South to Valle de Guadalupe ), Portland (where you can easily travel to Seattle or Bend), and Austin (where you can go to San Antonio , Houston, Dallas , or even the Texas Hill Country in a few hours). There are literally a million places to go for a weekend away!

Are you scheduled to go on a business trip to a location you’ve never visited? Or maybe you’re going somewhere that you would love to have more time to explore. If you are traveling for work, it’s likely during the week – and with a little planning, you can extend that trip and transform it into a fun weekend.

Consider adding a few vacation days to the beginning or end of your trip so you can turn it into a vacation on your own terms. While you may not get sent to your dream destination all the time, with some research you may find exciting restaurants or nearby towns that are off-the-beaten path to explore.

And what’s even better: you won’t have to foot the entire bill for the trip since your employer will be covering the costs for some of the travel expenses.

We know someone that’s heading to Sonoma, California for a work trip soon. What a perfect destination to take advantage of an add a weekend onto! Even if your business trips are not to picturesque locations, you may be surprised at how easy it is to travel somewhere cool nearby, or there may be unexpected sites in the city you’re going to that you don’t know about yet.

Tacking some extra time onto an already planned trip can be a fun way to be adventurous and take advantage of the distance you’re already traveling.

Part of the beauty of a weekend getaway is in its brevity. You have a short amount of time to fit in a lot of fun. Do you want to spend that valuable time scrolling through your phone?

We get it; smartphones are everywhere, and we admittedly spend plenty of time on ours due to our jobs. But vacation time is about breaking routines, doing new things, and switching up how you usually spend your time.

Taking a digital detox has numerous benefits: it can help improve sleep, reduce stress, improve happiness, and more. We highly recommend doing what you can to put your phone down, aside from using it for photos and maps.

If fully unplugging is not feasible or you need to check in with work or house sitters, that’s understandable. Perhaps you do so right after breakfast every day so that it doesn’t disrupt your whole day or take your attention away from what you are doing.

Weekend getaways provide us with a mental break from the day-to-day routine while weaving in a sense of adventure that you get from traditional longer vacations.

As you plan, remember that your two-day getaway should be easy and simple. You are likely planning it to escape some of the daily stresses in your life, so take a deep breath and remember it’s supposed to be fun!

What are some weekend getaways you have planned this year? We’d love to hear your favorite places to go for a weekend trip!

Lance Longwell is a travel writer and photographer who has published Travel Addicts since 2008, making it one of the oldest travel blogs. He is a life-long traveler, having visited all 50 of the United States by the time he graduated high school. Lance has continued his adventures by visiting 70 countries on 5 continents – all in search of the world’s perfect sausage. He’s a passionate foodie and enjoys hot springs and cultural oddities. When he’s not traveling (or writing about travel), you’ll find him photographing his hometown of Philadelphia.

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Jewell A Halwachs

Wednesday 9th of February 2022

A hint I picked up from someone else is to save all of our change all year (or longer) to pay for a special treat while vacationing. In two years we had rolled $400.00 worth of coins . It was almost like FREE money. We used the money that time to pay for a Hot Air Balloon ride in Park City, Utah.

Lance Longwell

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Great idea! It is like free money. We'll have to try this.

Peter Jones

Monday 19th of October 2020

Looking at going to gettysburg for a quick 4 day weekend get away in november

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11 Perfect Weekend Getaways in the U.S. and Around the World, According to Travel Advisors

Scott Bay is a magazine editor specializing in travel, architecture, and gear. He was previously an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure . His work has also appeared in Wired , Architectural Digest , Wallpaper , Robb Report , Saveur , Daily Beast , and more.

Sometimes you just need a break — even a short one. The A-List , Travel + Leisure 's group of the world's top travel advisors, have plenty of suggestions for unexpected destinations to explore for a weekend.

From hitting the slopes at Deer Valley to an urban escape in Thessaloniki , Greece, 11 A-List members share under-the-radar weekend vacations around the world you should plan once we are able to freely travel again.

Asheville, North Carolina

"Rent a log cabin near the blue ridge parkway only 20 minutes from downtown. Drink incredible craft brews at Iconic breweries — Fat Tire and Sierra Nevada — listen to local music, shop in the river arts district repurposed from old factories, and dine in some of North Carolina's best restaurants. Don't miss Hole Doughnuts — it will make you forget the words Krispy Kreme." — Jim Augerinos, Perfect Honeymoons

Solvang, California

"A drive from Paso Robles to the charming town of Solvang which transports you to Europe with a nod to Danish heritage present throughout the architecture and wineries. Your drive can entail a stop at Sycamore Hotel Spring on the way to Avila Beach. Dip your toes in the water at Avila Beach or walk the pier, after a wonderful lunch at this charming sea side town. Finish the weekend off with a visit to Hearst Castle for a great getaway!" — Christina Turrini, Frosch

Savannah, Georgia

"Savannah, the oldest city in the stage of Georgia, is a charming coastal escape complete with Antebellum architecture, trendy boutiques, and endless ghost stories. Perfect for a weekend getaway, visitors will be enchanted by the cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-covered trees. Make sure to bring your appetite — Savannah's delicious Southern cuisine will not disappoint." — Kristen Pike, KK Travels Worldwide

Dublin, Ireland

"Dublin is a fantastic place to spend a few days, with a short flight from Boston or New York and the recent exchange rate is very attractive relative to years past." — Ellen LeCompte, Travel Xperts

Urla, Turkey

"The resort town is not too far from Izmir and Cesme. It is one of the most delightful towns and has great vineyards and olive trees — just like Napa and Sonoma. It's a great place relax, unwind and recharge your batteries." — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At It's Best

Songyang, China

"This is a new tea plantation area reachable by high speed rail or by car ride in around three hours from Shanghai. It's little visited. The town is known for its tea plantation, but what I like most is the newest string of architecturally stunning craft shops — a brown sugar craft shop and tofu craft shop. There are workshops where locals actually do their job. They are also artistically stunning spaces set in the middle of farm fields. A very different old town experience from the rest of China. Highly recommend before it becomes too famous." — Mei Zhang, Wild China

Thessaloniki, Greece

"There's no better option for an urban escape that's also easy on the pocketbook than Thessaloniki. It remains largely undiscovered by the crowds, and it is thanks to this relative obscurity that it is still very budget-friendly despite being the second largest city in Greece. Lively and exciting, yet disarmingly cool and laid-back, it offers plenty of excellent restaurants and interesting bars to explore, while there's also plenty of history if you're looking to scratch that culture itch." — Christos Stergiou, True Trips

Madrid, Spain

"Madrid continues to be a great city destination, perfect for a three-day weekend trip. It's easy to get there and straightforward to get around, either on foot or by metro. Hire a guide to follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles or meet artists and artisans at work in their studios. You'll also explore all the places the guidebooks don't mention and by the end of the day feel like a real 'madrileño.'" — Nigel Hack, Madrid and Beyond

Deer Valley, Utah

"Deer Valley has great hiking, skiing, dining, and spas. Some of the best resorts are nearly unattainable during winter months, but more available, and cheaper, in the summer — another great time to visit the area. It's a very easy drive from Salt Lake City, which in turn, is nonstop from many cities." — Louisa Gehring, Gehring Travel

Santa Fe, New Mexico

"Santa Fe is a multi-cultural wonder in northern New Mexico. It's known as the Southwestern art scene's epicenter, boasting stellar dining, often consisting of the areas infamous Hatch hot green chili. The city has a surprising opera and arts scene, skiing 15 minutes away during winter, and an annual September pagan festival called Zozobra which is like a Burning Man festival." — John Clifford, International Travel Management

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Weekend Getaways

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Last-Minute Vacation Guide

Feeling spontaneous? Sometimes the best trips are last-minute getaways. Scan your calendar for a free upcoming weekend, but don't fret that you haven't had much time to plan. At the last minute you can grab a flight or hop in the car and spend a memorable weekend in a place you've always wanted to explore or re-visit a favorite travel destination. Stay in a fancy hotel in Las Vegas , a quaint hotel in Denver , or a hip, budget boutique hotel in the Big Apple . If you only have a weekend to spare, try to pick a getaway destination that includes a short scenic drive or a quick flight; that way, you'll be spending more time enjoying your last-minute vacation and less time on getting there. A change of scenery is always good for the spirits, so look into our destination suggestions and great travel deals so that you can have a few travel ideas handy when the mood to escape strikes you! Check out our great deals in popular last-minute getaway destinations. If you don't find a deal that suits you below, enter your details into our FareFinder to find more value travel options.

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Run wild in sunny Las Vegas for a truly exciting last-minute getaway trip. Bright lights, buzzing casinos, notorious nightlife - this high-paced city never sleeps. Test your luck in a world-famous casino or shop for high-end fashion to wear at four-star restaurants. Watch astounding acrobats, then catch your breath beside a shimmering swimming pool. For a last-minute vacation, there's just so much to do in Vegas.

On the North Strip, gaze at the hoopla that is Las Vegas from the Stratosphere Tower. Watch waters splash at the famous Bellagio's fountains or ride the monorail to the convention center. The South Strip has all the themed casinos. Take the MGM-Mirage monorail from Mandalay Bay to the Excalibur, getting close to nature at the Mandalay Shark Reef and MGM Lion Habitat. Or stroll the street where the first casinos stood in downtown Las Vegas. This vintage area offers gambling and captivating street acts. And make sure to bring your appetite. Vegas still offers the all-you-can-eat buffets, but it also hosts some of the country's finest restaurants. Take your pick from a handful of celebrity-chef restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, and signature offerings by Michael Mina and Emeril Lagasse.

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Chicago, Illinois

A last-minute getaway vacation to Chicago is a breeze. Whether you're there for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, you'll find that there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in Chicago. This big city is made up of culturally diverse neighborhoods - visit beautiful parks and the interesting communities around them. Lincoln Park boasts attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Conservatory and the Notebaert Nature Museum. You can view amazing public art in Millennium Park, as well as enjoy free concerts.

If you're going to take a last-minute getaway vacation to Chicago in the summer, Grant Park is the place to be; it's home to the popular Taste of Chicago summer festival and the renowned Buckingham Fountain. In the mood for comedy? A host of famous comedians - particularly Saturday Night Live comics - got their start at the legendary Second City comedy club. And for sports lovers, you can catch "da Bears"; or "da Bulls"; or World Series Champions, the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs. Just taking a leisurely bike ride or stroll along Chicago's lakefront will take your breath away.

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Washington D.C.

For a fun and easy last-minute vacation, treat yourself to a tour of Washington, D.C. See awe-inspiring monuments and picturesque colonial villages right in the heart of our nation's capital. The famous Metro transit system whisks visitors through the District, stopping near major tourist sights and traveling on into nearby Northern Virginia and Maryland. No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without visits to the monuments and memorials honoring the country's presidents, war veterans, and founding fathers. Since few of them are located near Metro stops, many visitors prefer to take a bus tour.

The districts many Smithsonian museums cover a wide variety of topics. Art galleries alone cover American, African and Asian art, plus modern and contemporary works and portraiture. Other favorites include the Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo. If you want to skip all that and just check out a fun neighborhood for your last-minute getaway, stroll the lovely campus of historic Georgetown University, or take a guided tour for an in-depth look. Just outside the gates, be sure to check out the area's colorful 18th-century row houses. Historic sights in the village include the C & O Canal, the Old Stone House and the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitors and residents flock to the Georgetown Flea Market on Sunday mornings in search of hidden treasure.

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New York City, New York

It might seem too big a city to accommodate a last-minute getaway trip, but never fear - because of its sheer number of attractions, New York City is actually an ideal spontaneous trip destination! It's a city of contrasts, where the 24-hour hustle and bustle balances the oases of Central Park and the quietly elegant Hudson River. Stick to one or two fun neighborhoods and you'll get your fill of the Big Apple. Short for "South of Houston"; SoHo is New York's artistic sanctuary and a fantastic area to shop, eat or just hang out. Located in lower Manhattan, it's an eclectic assortment of lofts, combining residential, commercial and gallery space. In the 1960s, artists started inhabiting lofts in the area, which were actually vacated sweatshops.

Today, these live-work units sell for millions of dollars. People are drawn to Greenwich Village by the local diversity, funky shopping, top-notch restaurants and fascinating Old New York architecture. Washington Square is one of the most romantic neighborhoods in the city. Tree-lined streets, pretty brick houses, jazz clubs, coffeehouses and sidewalk cafes - you'll find them all in the Village. Tips for a last-minute getaway: you can most easily snag theater tickets during January and February, but finding a good table at a restaurant can be easier in July and August, when New Yorkers tend to escape the city. Visit New York City between the first of the year and early April for great bargains.

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20 Unexpected Weekend Getaways to Plan This Summer

You're going to want to plan a trip ASAP to one of these under-the-radar locales that offer outdoor fun, unique attractions, and delicious eats.

Cape Charles, Virginia

It's pretty hard to stress when you're steps away from the ocean. It's even harder to stress when you're in the laid-back community of Cape Charles, Virginia. Friendly locals, enticing eats ( The Shanty  is known for its seafood baskets and popping live music scene), and quirky shops (if you're an olive oil enthusiast, load up at Drizzles ) all set the scene for endless beach days. Or, at least, they feel that way thanks to a sprawling pier and boardwalk where you can take in orange-pink sunsets. If you're not renting a beach house with a big group, try the funky Cape Charles Hotel where the beds are so comfy, you'll want to know how to replicate them at home (fear not: a binder inside the room reveals the secret).

For more information, visit capecharles.org .

Branford and Guilford, Connecticut

You're probably wondering what magical cruise is pictured above, so we'll get that out of the way first. Launching out of Branford's idyllic Stony Creek neighborhood, board the Sea Mist for the happiest of hours on a public tour or private charter. Now, back to these two scene-stealing Long Island Sound shoreline communities. Make your sleeping quarters The Kelsey House Bed & Breakfast , a 19th century residence with a wraparound porch you'll want to sit on forever. How about those bayside views overlooking a craggy bluff? When you're ready to peel yourself away, check out the Guilford Town Green , one of the country's most pristine town greens, and home of a free walking or self-guided tour. In the summer, enjoy plenty of live theater and music or wander along the green's many boutiques and restaurants.

For more information, visit ctvisit.com .

Grand Forks, North Dakota

Summer really brings the quaint town of Grand Forks to life. First meander through Town Square Farmer's Market (the famed wild chokecherry mini pies are a must). Then, check out Grand Forks Japanese Garden in Sertoma Park, a picturesque and historic area that kids will love, too. If you're craving a shopping break, check out Kittsona for wardrobe swag and accessories you won't be able to resist picking up for your friends as gifts (the owners actually met at the farmer's market!). Meanwhile, you'll probably want to refuel, so check out Sky's , a romantic second-story epicurean haven where the pan-seared scallops melt in your mouth. Come time for slumber, check out the charming 511 Reeves , a Victorian-style bed and breakfast dating back to 1901.

For more information, visit ndtourism.com .

Tallahassee, Florida

Perhaps best known for being Florida's capital, this oft-overlooked city is brimming with outdoor adventure. Beeline to Tallahassee Museum's unique Tree-to-Tree Adventures zipline and obstacle course. Or, soak up the scenery on a boat cruise along Wakulla Springs , one of the world's deepest freshwater springs, where you'll see plenty of unique wildlife and bird species. Feeling sporty? Test your archery skills at Florida's Apalachee-Spanish Living History Museum . After, you'll have a hard time choosing between two equally delectable activities: 1) Old-school ice cream parlor Lofty Pursuits ("Banana Creations" live up to their hype) and 2) Strolling along a row of tiki torches to The Bradfordville Blues Club , a celebrated stop on the National Blues trail. Why not squeeze in both and make a quick pitstop at the Aloft Tallahassee to change clothes (and perhaps wipe any lingering chocolate sauce smudges off your face)?

For more information, visit visittallahassee.com .

The Crystal Coast, North Carolina

There's nothing quite as charming as biking through Beaufort on vintage bikes (pedaling or walking with Hungry Town Tours , anyone?). There's also the marvelous Diamond Lady Lighthouse which stands out against the purple-streaked sky at sunset. But, perhaps our favorite way to spend a long weekend on the Crystal Coast is sitting in a kayak, watching a group of wild mustang horses gallop dramatically across the pristine landscape. Wander along the dock until you settle on a spot to dig into the catch of the day. Lovingly dubbed "sand castles," check into one of the region's many rentals that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and Bogue Sound, like the gorgeous Seas the Day , with an ocean-facing patio that's giving us some serious wanderlust.

For more information, visit crystalcoastnc.org .

The Dalles, Oregon

The highway beckons: Road trip! And talk about a spectacular drive . But as you head east on I-84, perhaps the most magnificent scene-stealer is the 611-foot cascading Multnomah Falls , that you can view from the parking lot or hike to the top of (seriously, get out of your car!). On-the-move types will also enjoy hiking to Oneota Falls —at this slot canyon, the water is the trail! Check in for the night at The Cousins Country Inn  and enjoy the many jewels of this historic Native American trading spot, like perusing Klindt's Booksellers , the oldest bookstore in Oregon, or  indulging in a libation an 1883 courthouse, Clock Tower Ales . Rodeo fan? Pendleton Roundup (September 13-16,2017) is one of the ten largest in the world.

For more information, visit visiteasternoregon.com .

Laconia, New Hampshire

It's impossible not to be happy with a waffle in hand from the industrial-chic Wayfarer Coffee Roasters , a bustling community hub. This welcoming area is also home to the world-famous utopia of Kellerhaus , a sprawling old-timey chocolate shop that's been family-owned since 1906. With these indoor attractions wrapped up, enjoy a day kayaking on the crystal Lake Opechee at Lake Opechee Inn and Spa or checking out the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad (okay, that's technically inside). Tack on an extra night to journey an hour north to the Woodstock Inn & Brewery , a one-of-a-kind 1800s railroad station that's been refurbished into a White Mountains lodging and noshing favorite—don't miss the craft beers and the much-loved "Loon Dip."

For more information, visit lakesregion.org .

Branson, Missouri

Summer is the perfect time to set sail on  Table Rock Lake  where memories of your own childhood lake vacations will start flooding back (especially aboard the  Branson Belle  dinner cruise). And while  Silver Dollar City  may be known for its theme park, it's also worth checking out  Marvel Cave , to soak up all its limestone glory. In 2017, Silver Dollar City is celebrating "The Year of Food and Crafts," fitting for the only American theme park to have a cooking school on its grounds (trust, you'll want to order a BBQ sundae). The park also has a unique program for local Ozark artisans to work and sell their wares. Forgo hotel bookings for log cabin life at  White River Lodge  B&B where the sunrise views of Table Rock Lake are enough to sway even the most adamant of city inhabitants to consider living life in the MO lane.

For more information, visit  branson.com .

Healdsburg, California

Picnics? Wine tasting? Winery tours? Yes to all of the above at SIMI Winery , where redwood trees warmly welcome you to the sprawling property that dates back to 1876 and now has only female winemakers at the helm. When you're done wine trail-ing it, check into the  Hotel Healdsburg (the garden pool offers drinks and food in the summer) or the Grape Leaf Inn (a Victorian residence where staff ought to place signs on your door that read "Don't skip breakfast!"). Spend your days exploring the quaint downtown or take a cooking class with Relish Culinary Adventures . To spike your adrenaline, try an outing with touring company Wine Country Bikes or boating outfitter Russian River Adventures . To spike your BAC levels, check out Alexander Valley Vineyards where there's an entire half acre of underground caves (!) or Trattore Farms , which offers both wine and olive oil tastings. Want the best views in town? Go up, up, and away with Up & Away Hot Air Ballooning .

For more information, visit healdsburg.com .

Washington, Connecticut

If you're visiting this northwestern Connecticut town, hole up at the Mayflower Grace for your very own slice of Constitution State Shangri-La. While there, enjoy dazzling cuisine, enchanted landscaped gardens and woodlands, or a dip in the pool. Dying to learn a new skill? Get off-property with the hotel's " Art of Fly Fishing " program at the nearby Housatonic River or head out sans guides to Mount Tom State Park for beaching, hiking to the summit's lookout tower, or both. And unless you want to miss an insanely tasty meal, don't skip town without visiting G.W. Tavern, where the hand-painted murals alone make the detour worth it (though the aptly-named "Obsession Cake" isn't to be missed, either).

For more information, visit washingtonct.org .

Alpharetta, Georgia

With on-point service and insane eats, hungry travelers to Alpharetta ought to make Colletta their first destination to welcome themselves to a peachier state of mind (the peach and gorgonzola pizza certainly helps with that). Gather up the crew (don't forget helmets and snacks for hungry kids!) and check out Big Creek Greenway for a day spent biking, blading, or bird watching. Freshen up at the Wingate by Wyndham —it's pet friendly if you want to bring Rover along—before venturing out to Matilda's for live music. In the summer, they offer "Matilda's Under the Pines," where regional acts will serenade you underneath a starry night sky and those gorgeous Peach State pines. Pets are allowed here too, so if you brought along your furry friend, be sure to include him on the fun!

For more information, visit awesomealpharetta.com .

Brewster, Massachusetts

Here's a small Cape Cod town well worth adding to your vacation radar. Perched on nearly 430 acres, Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club will make it exceedingly hard to leave thanks to its great dining, biking, and indoor and outdoor pools. Catch the sunset at the beach bar with your better half while plotting your next day in this New England gem. Brought the kids? Drop them off at the beach for some s'mores-making fun. Come daylight, spend the remaining time on your getaway enjoying that salty sea breeze with leisurely trips to the Stony Brook Grist Mill (open only in the summer), antiquing, and setting up shop at the area's many beaches.

For more information, visit capecodtravel.com .

Fort Worth, Texas

Lasso up! They don't dub Fort Worth a "City of Cowboys and Culture" for nothing. First, those cowboys: Head to the Stockyard National Historic District to whet your appetite for an authentic, old American West experience. There, enjoy the twice-daily cattle drive The Fort Worth Herd and weekly rodeos at Stockyards Championship Rodeo . Behind every good cowboy, is a winning (National) Cowgirl (Museum), should time allow for you to explore. Then, make like Bonnie and Clyde (really, it was one of the duo's hideouts) at Stockyards Hotel which muddles the best of game hunting lodges with a serene boutique hotel stay. Now, for that dose of culture, venture to Kimbell Art Museum , Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth , and  Amon Carter Museum of American Art . Or, if you prefer your dose of culture in audible form, slink into the welcoming embrace of Billy Bob's , a Texan staple and world's largest Honky Tonk—it's hosted musical greats from Ray Charles to Blake Shelton.

For more information, visit fortworth.com .

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Start your day right with other-worldly biscuits and pour-over coffee at Greenhouse on Porter and end it with live music at Government Street Grocery . Everything else, we leave up to you. Though, if you're looking for some inspiration in this storybook town located next to the Mississippi Sound and dotted with live oak, here goes. First, book your time to count sheep at The Inn at Ocean Springs . Then, earn your supper by hitting the water for a stand-up paddleboarding session with PaddlesUp before treating yourself to Lola Fleur , where you can pack up a delectable spread for a waterfront picnic (okay, you earned a handmade fruity, herb-infused popsicle at Pop Brothers , too). That charming coastal picnic we speak of? Try the Davis Bayou Area . 

For more information, visit gulfcoast.org .

New Paltz, New York

An unexpected gem—well, castle may be closer to it—outside of New York City, Mohonk Mountain House  glimmers in all its lakeside beauty. All-inclusive pricing makes dining and activity-planning (and believe us, there's something for everyone) a cinch, but whatever you do, don't skip a leisurely stroll with loved ones through the beautifully kept gardens.  Every day presents a giant schedule of events, classes, and activities, but if you can, sneak off for a spa treatment (preferably after conquering a majestic hike or a restorative dip in the lake). When you're ready to get off campus, be sure to see Huguenot Street , where time seems to stand still in a Hudson Valley community first settled in 1678. There, you can enjoy grounds tours, historic reenactments, and even tea time.

For more information, visit newpaltzchamber.org .

Black Hills, South Dakota

In July 2017, the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Annual Wacipi will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Why does that make it an ideal time for visitors? Well, you'll be able to witness the oldest powwow in South Dakota and learn more about Native American Culture. Events will include a Moccasin Tournament, grass dancing, and more in the spiritually revered Black Hills. While in town, an excursion to Crazy Horse Memorial , a grand mountain carving, should earn a spot on your agenda, as should a trip to Bear Butte State Park , where not only are the hikes breathtaking, but the colorful prayer cloths hanging throughout also make for a special experience. For lodging, Celebrity Hotel in downtown Deadwood has an outdoor deck and firepit, guaranteed to help you make summer memories late into the evening.

For more information, visit travelsouthdakota.com .

Medora, North Dakota

Start your summer getaway on an upbeat note at Medora Musical , a playful, western-style musical show dedicated to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt where patrons also get to enjoy the fresh, country air and gorgeous views from the  2,900-seat Burning Hills Amphitheater. You can also get into cowboy mode by  horseback riding or checking out the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame . When you're ready to ditch your saddle, cozy up at the Rough Riders Hotel or enjoy camping under the wide open sky  in the majestic Theodore Roosevelt National Park . Hungry? It's hard to beat Pitchfork Steak Fondue , an outdoor eatery perched on a bluff with crazy views of the Badlands.

River Ranch, Florida

This is Florida like you've never seen it before. Located about an hour south of Orlando, you'll love the family-friendly Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo , which manages to catapult you far away from conventional Sunshine State vacations. Explore your natural talent at new activities like trap and skeet shooting or archery before enjoying a swamp buggy ride and the property's classic Saturday night rodeo. You can stay in traditional camping sites or well-groomed cabins, but we suggest the recently established teepees, where a designated concierge can deliver breakfast right to your digs. You'll hardly need to leave this dude ranch for vacation fun, but driving to  nearby  Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park makes for a worthwhile day trip.

For more information, visitflorida.com .

Uvalde County, Texas

Snag that inner tube: You'll want to float down the secluded Frio River (nature lovers will also love canoeing, and kayaking) as enchanted Cypress trees guide the way. Continue the tree-themed fun by heading over to The Laurel Tree , which offers upscale French food with a bit of Hill Country flavor... in a treehouse ! And sure, you could book a hotel, but why not make your getaway truly memorable by holing up at Ox Ranch's luxurious antique log cabins. Or, if a vacation rental is more your thing, consider booking the new Loft at Owl Hollow , called "320-acre wonderland" by Uvalde-ians, which boasts a private saltwater pool, as well as a private spring-fed creek.

For more information, visit visituvaldecounty.com .

Heber Valley, Utah

This off-the-beaten-path gem really comes to life in the summer, with cool and pleasant temperatures to accompany your getaway (not to mention, less crowds than towns like Park City get). Called Utah's "Little Switzerland," spend your days fly fishing or hiking on and around the Provo River . Or, take an adventurous trip river rafting or backpacking in the Uinta Mountains . As the sun sets, slink into a state of happy relaxation at the Homestead Resort (the Midway Creamery crispy cheese curds and sprawling, verdant panoramas from Simon's Restaurant  are pure vacation bliss). For a truly how-is-this-happening experience venture to The Homestead Crater to bathe in the natural hot springs, snorkel or even scuba dive.

For more information, visit gohebervalley.com .

Perri is a New York City-born and -based writer; she holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Columbia University and is also a culinary school graduate of the plant-based Natural Gourmet Institute, which is now the Natural Gourmet Center at the Institute of Culinary Education. Her work has appeared in the New York Post, Men's Journal, Rolling Stone, Oprah Daily, Insider.com, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, and more. She's probably seen Dave Matthews Band in your hometown, and she'll never turn down a bloody mary. Learn more at VeganWhenSober.com .

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How to Handle Crowded Airports and Roads This Fourth of July

As record crowds hit the roads and the skies this week for the holiday, here’s what to know before traveling.

By Sara Ruberg

Whether they’re driving or flying, people traveling for the upcoming holiday weekend are expected to break records in what is already one of the busiest years yet for travel.

The Fourth of July holiday usually marks the peak for summer travel, and this summer is already showing signs of surpassing the past two record-setting summers.

With the Transportation Security Administration reporting record numbers of passengers flying in the past month, and AAA predicting 60 million drivers hitting the road, here’s what to know and how to avoid delays and traffic jams.

Travel records keep getting broken.

With people itching to get away in the wake of coronavirus shutdowns, air travel in recent years has taken off. Travel volumes are still growing, despite higher costs and a more volatile industry, according to Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of travel at AAA.

The demand is being fueled by wealthier travelers, who are spending more, while budget travelers and poorer families are booking fewer trips, according to analysts and surveys.

In an American Express Travel survey, 84 percent of people planned to spend more or the same amount on travel this year compared with 2023, and over three quarters said they valued the best travel experience over cost.

Airports brace for high volumes all week.

The T.S.A., which already reported record-breaking numbers of security screenings over the past two months, is bracing for more passengers than ever before this weekend.

Nearly three million passengers were screened by T.S.A. on June 24, a single-day record. And seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever occurred in the past month, according to T.S.A. screening numbers.

While the number of passengers has increased, the number of flights has not bounced back to prepandemic levels, Ms. Twidale said. This has made air travel less reliable in cases of extreme weather and mishaps.

Expect lines and book connections carefully.

For consumers booking a flight, Ms. Twidale recommends paying attention to where and how long any connections are. Booking too short a layover in a busy airport leaves little room for delays, which could lead to a missed flight.

The cities with the busiest airports this week will likely be Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Denver, according to the booking platform Hopper.

Hopper warns that passengers should anticipate longer lines in the mornings in most airports this week. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Kennedy International Airport in New York City, however, the busiest times to depart will be in the evenings.

Bernice Padilla , who has been a flight attendant for six years and creates travel content on social media, said airports are busier than ever this summer, and travelers should arrive early.

“I think the recommendation is probably two hours for domestic and three for international, but given the busy weekend I think you should give yourself more,” she said.

Ms. Padilla said to bring empty water bottles and portable chargers in case of delays, as well as snacks in case you arrive late to your destination.

So they have the most up-to-date information on their planes, Ms. Padilla said flight attendants use the Flighty and FlightAware services, as well as the airline’s app.

Prepare for record amounts of drivers, and midday traffic.

Those travelers getting behind the wheel in the coming days should be wary: Over 60 million drivers are estimated to be on the roads for their Independence Day vacations, according to AAA forecasts.

Ms. Twidale said that even with the record number of drivers this weekend, some may opt for hitting the road instead of booking a flight to save money and hassle at the airport, especially for short journeys.

“You have control of your destiny by taking your vehicle and packing up the car with water and snacks, and you can stop along the way,” she said.

The busiest days on the road this week should be Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7, according to AAA. The company predicted that traffic jams and crowded roads would be at their worst in the middle of the day on Wednesday, and said it was best to start driving early in the morning, before 10 a.m. For the night owls, setting off any time after 7 or 8 p.m. would be ideal.

Some drivers who traveled last weekend ahead of the holiday week have already faced risky and crowded roads: Traffic pileups on a busy interstate in Florida killed several people and injured many more.

Plan a little, then relax and enjoy the fireworks.

Many people will be flocking to parks and big cities for fireworks displays.

In New York City, around a million people tried to claim spots offered by the city to view the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show, crashing the ticket website. In the end, 10,000 viewers were able to snatch tickets for the premium spots.

Other cities with some of the largest fireworks shows in the country include Washington and Boston. Many officials advise checking updated traffic maps before leaving home on Independence Day, as many roads and areas may be blocked off for the fireworks and events.

Elsewhere, some are retreating to the great outdoors this weekend — Michigan’s state parks and other sites along the Great Lakes are at just under 95 percent occupancy for this weekend, which has been typical for the holiday weekend since 2021.

If you’re staying at home or looking to avoid the crowds, you can watch Washington’s fireworks show on PBS or New York City’s show on NBC.

Sara Ruberg covers breaking news and is a member of the 2024-25 class of Times Fellows , a program for journalists early in their careers. More about Sara Ruberg

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

London:  A writer used Camille Pissarro’s paintings of suburban London and a “lost” railway as a lens for exploring the city’s history  — and settling an arcane mystery.

Dublin,:  While the Irish capital has become a more international hub, locals have made efforts to ensure what makes the city unique — its spirited personality and famed hospitality  — doesn’t get entirely swallowed up.

Norway:  Can A.I. devise a bucket-list vacation to the Scandinavian nation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? We put three virtual assistants to the test .

The Berkshires:  A writer shares his favorite ways to experience the often-overlooked  Housatonic River in western Massachusetts.

TSA braces for record July 4th weekend with over 3 million travelers taking to the skies

Nicole Lindsay thought she could beat the  holiday-week travel rush  by booking an early-morning flight. It didn’t work out that way.

“I thought it wouldn’t be that busy, but it turned out to be quite busy,” the Baltimore resident said as she herded her three daughters through Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. “It was a lot of kids on the flight, so it was kind of noisy — a lot of crying babies.”

Lindsay said the flight was full, but her family arrived safely to spend a few days in Port Saint Lucie, so she was not complaining.

Airlines hope the outcome is just as good for millions of other passengers scheduled to take holiday flights over the next few days.

AAA forecasts that 70.9 million people will travel at least 50 miles (80 kilometers) from home over a nine-day stretch that began June 27, a 5% increase over the comparable period around the  Fourth of July  last year. Most of those people will drive, and the motor club says traffic will be the worst between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. most days.

Federal officials expect air-travel records to fall as Americans turn the timing of July Fourth on a Thursday into a four-day — or longer — holiday weekend.

The Transportation Security Administration predicts that its officers will screen more than 3 million travelers at U.S. airports on Sunday. That would top the June 23 mark of more than 2.99 million. American Airlines said Sunday is expected to be its busiest day of the entire summer; it plans more than 6,500 flights.

TSA was created after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and replaced a collection of private security companies that were hired by airlines. Eight of the 10  busiest days  in TSA’s history have come this year, as the number of travelers tops pre-pandemic levels.

The head of the agency, David Pekoske, said Wednesday that TSA has enough screeners to handle the  expected crowds  this weekend and through the summer.

“We have been totally tested over the course of the last couple of months in being able to meet our wait-time standards of 10 minutes for a PreCheck passenger and 30 minutes for a standard passenger, so we are ready,” Pekoske said on NBC’s “Today” show.

Peggy Grundstrom, a frequent traveler from Massachusetts who flew to Florida to visit her daughter and granddaughter, said the line for security in Hartford, Connecticut, was unusually long.

“It was busier than I have personally seen in the past,” Grundstrom said. “But, you know, I prefer to fly unless it’s very local. I’m at a stage where I don’t want to travel in a car for long periods of time.”

Polls consistently show that a high percentage of Americans  think the economy is poor , but that is not stopping them from traveling this summer.

“My finances are always pretty tight,” said Madison Tilner, a law-school student at Northwestern University who was waiting for a flight at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. But with a work life looming ahead of her, she said, “I’m trying to travel more and use my free time while I can. I think a lot of people feel that way in summer.”

Passengers on about 3,000 flights Wednesday were spending some of their free time hanging around airports because of flight delays, according to FlightAware.

Passengers on a Delta Air Lines red-eye flight from Detroit to Amsterdam had to put their travel plans on hold for several hours when the plane landed in New York because  spoiled meals  were served in the main cabin shortly after takeoff.

Delta apologized to passengers “for the inconvenience and delay in their travels.”

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Fans plan travel for 30th anniversary of ‘the shawshank redemption’.

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When The Shawshank Redemption was released in 1994, it was a critical success. It went on to resonate with audiences around the world, but few could have predicted the loyal fan base that would still surround the film 30 years later.

Morgan Freeman sitting outside with a hat and prison uniform on in a scene from the film 'The ... [+] Shawshank Redemption', 1994. (Photo by Castle Rock Entertainment/Getty Images)

Although The Shawshank Redemption movie was set in Maine, its principal photography was shot in Mansfield, Ohio . The Ohio State Reformatory served as the prison, and many other locales from the film can still be found in Mansfield. Now, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, the town of Mansfield invites fans to come and be a part of their planned celebrations from August 8 to 11, 2024.

The Origins of a Classic Film

Written and directed by Frank Darabont, the screenplay for The Shawshank Redemption was based on Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption , a 1982 novella by Stephen King. Among its many accolades, in 2015, the Library of Congress selected the feature film for preservation in the National Film Registry.

According to The Wall Street Journal , Frank Darabont acquired the rights to Stephen King’s story for only $5,000, and he went on to adapt the novella into the beloved script that was nominated for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. The Week reported that King never cashed that $5,000 check, returning it to Darabont with a note that said, “In case you ever need bail money. Love, Steve.”

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Actors Morgan Freeman (L) and Tim Robbins arrive at the Academy Of ... [+] Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 20th Anniversary Screening Of "The Shawshank Redemption" at AMPAS Samuel Goldwyn Theater on November 18, 2014 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

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The movie received seven Academy Award nominations. Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins both told Vanity Fair that The Shawshank Redemption is the film that fans always mention to them. Freeman said people tell him it’s the “greatest movie”, while Robbins said people often tell him it changed their life. Tim Robbins even remarked how Nelson Mandela mentioned how much he loved the movie when the two met.

In 1996, Warner Bros acquired the rights to the movie, and the film achieved great financial success with its home media sales and television licensing by Warner Bros. That allowed it to reach an even greater audience who could watch it repeatedly any time they wanted.

The 30th Anniversary Weekend For 'The Shawshank Redemption'

The Shawshank Redemption has remained a legend around the world and especially in the area where it was filmed. The movie’s August 8-11 anniversary weekend is full of tours of over a dozen filming locations in the Mansfield, Ohio area. It also will include meetups and photo opportunities with actors from the film.

There will be screenings and panel discussions with the movie’s writer/director Frank Darabont in addition to some of the film’s actors and background actors. You can get schedules and tickets at the Shawshank Trail website . (Just keep in mind that they expect to sell out, so you want to plan as early as possible.)

Filming Locations From 'The Shawshank Redemption'

With the anniversary weekend taking place in Mansfield, Upper Sandusky, and Ashland, Ohio, both guided and self-guided tours are available for the filming locations from the movie. Bus tours will be available at the event that will stop at major locales from the movie.

The Shawshank Redemption Trail is a self-guided driving tour that’s available to do year-round, and it can, of course, be enjoyed during this celebration. Most filming sites are free to visit, and you can look for the trail signs that identify each site when you arrive. Here are some of the locations to visit.

Historic Ohio State Reformatory In Mansfield

Morgan Freeman and Frank Darabont filmed at the former reformatory.

Home to the Shawshank Museum and a major filming location for the movie, The Historic Ohio State Reformatory is the first stop for most visitors who want to visit filming locales in Mansfield, Ohio. The museum has props, costumes, and set pieces from the movie on display. The Ohio State Reformatory became its own character in the film, and the director was able to effectively portray the brutal nature of pirosn life the characters experienced in this setting.

You can customize your visit because there are numerous experiences and tours available. You can learn about its history and alleged paranormal activity within the “haunted halls”. Alternately, you can stick to the movie focus and walk in the footsteps of Andy and Red, the film’s main characters, in the stark prison they called home.

Other films that were shot in this former reformatory include Air Force One , Tango and Cash , Harry and Walter Go To New York , and Judas and the Black Messiah .

Mansfield Antiques Gallery In Mansfield

Seen as the pawn shop window in the film, the Mansfield Antiques Gallery is located in the Historic Carrousel District. It’s a fun place to stop for selfies.

Central Park In Downtown Mansfield

Brooks' bench is a popular spot for selfies in Mansfield.

Brooks’ bench can be found in Central Park in downtown Mansfield. In The Shawshank Redemption , Brooks sat on the bench in the park to feet birds and hope that his pet crow would show up. The original bench used in the movie is where the gazebo stands, according to The Shawshank Trail , and a replica bench sits along a walkway that’s just west of the gazebo. It’s green with a Shawshank plaque. It’s designed to be selfie-friendly, so don’t hesitate to take out your smartphone or camera to get a shot.

Road To Buxton in Butler

If you want to see the road that Red (Morgan Freeman) headed down when he set off to Buxton, go to the corner of Snyder Road and Hagerman Road in Butler, Ohio. In the movie, the character gets out of the red truck and embarks on his new adventure, and it is also a great site for selfies for fans of the film.

Visit The Shawshank Trail website for full information on all locations on the trail and how to best access them.

The movie site signs dot the locations along The Shawshank Trail.

Star-Studded Events In Mansfield Featuring Morgan Freeman

The celebratory weekend begins on Thursday, August 8, 2024, with a screening of The Shawshank Redemption that’s done drive-in style. The film is going to be played on a big screen that’s set up in the historic Renaissance Theatre’s back lot just for the weekend. Other screenings inside the theater are planned for Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, August 9, there is going to be a 30th Anniversary Cast Discussion. It is going to be led by writer/director Frank Darabont, Turner Classic Movies Host Ben Mankiewicz, and other key figures from the movie. Earlier in the day, there is going to be a Behind the Scenes & Beyond Panel with Kokayi Ampah, the location manager for The Shawshank Redemption ; he will share information about how she chose the sites in and around Mansfield, Ohio, for the film.

Then, on Saturday, August 10, and again on Sunday, August 11, there will be a Background Actors Panel. Key background actors who were a central part of the moviemaking process will provide behind-the-scenes insights into the magic of making the film.

Actors who will be making appearances and signing autographs include Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, Alfonso Freeman, Mack Miles, and Paul Kennedy.

Other Things To Do In Mansfield

While there will be plenty of movie-related fun to savor throughout the 30th anniversary weekend, you don’t want to miss some of the other inviting sites in Mansfield, Ohio. If you’re traveling with young children, don’t miss the Buckeye Imagination Museum and the Mansfield Fire Museum & Education Center. The Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum and the North Central Ohio Industrial Museum can be appreciated by all ages.

Try to spend at least half a day at the lovely Kingwood Center Gardens . Oak Hill Cottage, the Renaissance Theatre, and Richland Carrousel Park are must-see spots for history lovers.

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Deal reached in WestJet strike but travel disruptions still expected for Canadian airline

FILE - A westJet airplane takes off in Calgary, Alta., Jan. 21, 202. Mechanics at the Canadian airline WestJet say they are dropping plans to begin a strike now that the airline has agreed to resume negotiations on a new collective-bargaining agreement. Members of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association had been preparing to walk off the job on Thursday night. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

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TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s second largest airline, WestJet, has reached a deal with its mechanics to end a strike that had disrupted the travel plans of tens of thousands of passengers over the Canada Day long weekend.

WestJet said late Sunday there will still be flight disruptions in the week ahead as its planes are brought back into service.

In its own news release, the Airplane Mechanics Fraternal Association urged its members to return to work immediately pending a vote on the temporary agreement.

Some 680 workers, whose daily inspections and repairs are essential to airline operations, had walked off the job on Friday evening despite a directive for binding arbitration from the labor minister.

Since Thursday, WestJet has canceled 829 flights scheduled between then and Monday in the busiest travel weekend of the season in Canada.

The vast majority of Sunday’s trips were called off as WestJet pared down its 180-plane fleet to 32 active aircraft and topped the global list for cancellations among major airlines over the weekend.

“The damage to Canadians and our airline is massive, a swift resolution was necessary; we take no victory laps on this outcome but will sleep better tonight knowing further harm has been prevented,” Diederik Pen, President of WestJet Airlines and Group Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.

“We will see no further labor action coming out of this dispute, as both parties agree to arbitrate the contract in the case of a failed ratification.”

Details of the agreement were not immediately available.

The union had previously said its demands around wages would cost WestJet less than $8 million Canadian (US$5.6 million) beyond what the company has offered for the first year of the collective agreement — the first contract between the two sides. It has acknowledged the gains would surpass compensation for industry colleagues across Canada and sit more on par with U.S. counterparts.

WestJet had said it has offered a 12.5% wage hike in the first year of the contract, and a compounded wage increase of 23.5% over the rest of the 5 1/2-year term.

B.C. travellers urged to prepare for busy Canada Day long weekend

For b.c. ferries, canada day long weekend marks the 2nd busiest travel period of the year.

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As British Columbians gear up to celebrate Canada Day, officials are urging the public to plan ahead and stay safe amid expected travel congestion on ferries, highways, and at airports.

For B.C. Ferries, the Canada Day long weekend marks the second busiest travel period of the year, surpassed only by B.C. Day.

"We feel fully prepared heading into the long weekend and we're looking forward to ensuring our customers get to their destinations safely and comfortably," said Reet Sidhu, the company's senior communications adviser, told CBC News on Friday.

She recommends passengers looking to take a ferry from Vancouver's Tsawwassen Bay to Victoria's Swartz Bay – one of B.C. Ferries' busiest routes – without a booking, consider travelling as a foot passenger to avoid sailing waits.

B.C. Ferries says they're expecting close to 500,000 passengers on all routes Friday through Monday.

The company, which faced a number of challenges last year — from staffing shortages, last-minute cancellations and long waits — said they have increased sailings and made staffing changes this year around for a smooth summer travel experience.

Busy long weekend ahead for B.C. travellers

Sidhu says B.C. Ferries has added 350 new sailings, including 44 between Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay along with a new early morning sailing, and has hired 600 new staff for the summer.

It has also tightened its annual refit schedule in an effort to avoid cancellations during peak season. Refits refer to safety inspections and work on major parts, such as engines and brakes, that require a vessel to be pulled out of service, usually for 30 to 90 days.

⛴️ HEADS UP - Expect sailing waits at many <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InlandFerries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InlandFerries</a> due to higher volumes of traffic this long weekend.<br><br>ℹ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UpperArrowLakeFerry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UpperArrowLakeFerry</a> - 1-2 hour wait from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShelterBay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShelterBay</a> <br><br>ℹ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeedlesFerry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeedlesFerry</a> - 1-2 hour waits from both <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeedlesBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeedlesBC</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FauquierBC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FauquierBC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCHwy6?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BCHwy6</a> <a href="https://t.co/sDJeTbprYM">pic.twitter.com/sDJeTbprYM</a> &mdash; @DriveBC

YVR also busy

Long weekend preparations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) also moved into high gear on Friday.

YVR communication specialist Emad Agahi says the airport is expected to see about 84,000 passengers for each day of the long weekend with Friday being the busiest day.

According to the airport authority, about 7.8 million passengers are expected to travel through the airport this summer — a 9.6 per cent increase compared to passenger levels last year during the same period.

Agahi says during peak travel times, staff will be stationed at information counters throughout the airport, and digital tools are also available to help people reach their gate on time.

Those travelling on flights this weekend could also be impacted by a mechanics' strike at WestJet , with the airline cancelling more than 150 flights on Saturday due to the strike by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).

High-risk driving behaviours amid heavy traffic

Elsewhere in the province, traffic enforcement will be stepped up across the province during the long weekend, according to B.C. Highway Patrol. 

In a statement this week, B.C. Highway Patrol said it will be watching for impaired drivers, particularly around recreational areas and festivals where alcohol is served. 

Penalties for impaired driving include 24-hour driving prohibitions, immediate driving prohibitions of three, 30, or 90 days with vehicle impoundment, and potential criminal charges.

In an email to CBC News, the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC) said over Canada Day long weekend, on average, one person is killed and 176 injured in about 605 crashes in B.C. Speed and impairment were the top contributing factors in most of those crashes. 

Passengers should exercise caution before travelling: province

Ahead of the Canada Day long weekend, the B.C. government issued a statement advising travellers to exercise caution and readiness due to heightened wildfire risks stemming from warm weather and drought conditions across many areas of the province.

It is urging travellers to stay informed about wildfire conditions, adhere to fire bans and restrictions, and check for updates on road closures, evacuation notices, and other restrictions, including B.C. Parks closures.

• No reservation? Avoid taking your car on Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay route this weekend, B.C. Ferries says
• B.C. Ferries, YVR expect busy Canada Day long weekend

B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is also asking motorists to anticipate additional traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway over the long weekend and to allow extra travel time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shaurya Kshatri is an associate producer at CBC News Vancouver. You can reach him at [email protected]

With files from Sohrab Sandhu

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